NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS AT THE OKC ZOO

The holiday season rolls in with America’s Turkey Trot, Military Appreciation Month, new Zoo Holiday Pop-Up Shop, Education programs and more!

NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 26: REGISTER FOR AMERICA’S TURKEY TROT PRESENTED LOCALLY BY THE OKC ZOO AND BOB MOORE SUBARU

Virtually connect with friends and family near and far in support of the OKC Zoo and monarchs! The Oklahoma City Zoo is encouraging monarch fans and running enthusiasts to support America’s Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving. Presented locally by Bob Moore Subaru and benefitting the OKC Zoo, this family-friendly event is in place of the Zoo’s annual Monarch Madness 5K/Fun Run. Runners of all skill levels are encouraged to join the Turkey Trot event and can choose to run any distance, indoors or outdoors, in any location at any time. Unable to complete your event on Thanksgiving Day? That’s okay, choose a fall date that works best for you. Participants also receive an official Turkey Trot swag bag including a fleece jacket, finisher medal, beanie, finisher certificate and more with registration. The cost per runner is $40 plus, $8.95 processing fee, tax. For every registration for the America’s Turkey Trot that goes through the OKC Zoo’s event page, okczoo.org/turketytrot2020, the Zoo will receive $10 for its monarch conservation program.

NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 30: OKC ZOO SALUTES: MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

To those who are serving and have served, the Zoo salutes you. November is Military Appreciation Month at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, and the Zoo is honoring all active duty, retired, veteran members of the military, National Guard and Reserves with free Zoo admission for the entire month. Additionally, up to four immediate family members will receive 50% off of general Zoo admission on date of visit. Military members must show valid military ID to receive complimentary general admission. While at the Zoo, military members will also enjoy the following discounts throughout November by presenting valid ID:

• $10 off all available Wild Encounter experiences.
• 10% off concessions and merchandise at the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop.
• $10 off any membership level! Military members must be named on the membership.  

For additional information about Military Appreciation Month at the Zoo, call (405) 425-0262 or visit okczoo.org.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2: SEASONAL HOURS BEGIN FOR OKC ZOO RIDES, ATTRACTIONS

Amp up your zoofari with these unique OKC Zoo experiences. Capacity is limited for all rides and attractions to maintain adequate social distancing among guests. Guests can pre-purchase tickets for these experiences when they make their online reservation at http://www.okczoo.org/tickets or purchase them in the park. All rides and attractions are operational weather permitting and schedules are subject to change without notice.

• Centennial Choo Choo: Choo Choo rides are available weekends (Fri., Sat. and Sun.) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Children two and under free.
• Elephant Express Tram: Embark on a guided Zoo tour as you travel from the Entry Plaza to Sanctuary Asia. Rides offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All day bracelets are $6 per person. Children two and under free.
• Endangered Species Carousel: Carousel rides are available daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.
• Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): Discover the hands-on fun of feeding our lorikeets! Opportunities available daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $4 per person. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff. This attraction closes for a “bird break” from 1-1:30 p.m.
• Flamingo Mingle: Have you met our flamingo flock? Flamingo Mingle feedings occur daily, weather-permitting, in the Children’s Zoo habitat from 10 to 11 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $7 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff.

• Giraffe Feeding Platform: Be spotted feeding our gentle giants! Weekend (Fri., Sat. and Sun.) feeding opportunities from 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff.
• Rhino Feedings: For one of the most magical experiences in the OKC Zoo, make plans to feed one of the Zoo’s Indian rhinos! Feeding opportunities available weekends (Fri., Sat. and Sun.) at 11:30 a.m. at Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $10 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff. Additional rules are posted at the habitat.
• Sea Lion Presentations: Go wild for these educational and engaging presentations featuring the Zoo’s California sea lions and harbor seals! Weekend (Fri., Sat. and Sun.) presentations at 1 p.m. at the Zoo’s Sea Lion Presentation Stadium. Cost is $5 per person. Children two and under are free.
• Stingray Bay: Waves of fun await at Stingray Bay with up-close encounters and feeding opportunities with these majestic creatures. Cost is $4 per person to enter. Stingray feedings are 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff. Stingray Bay is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 AND FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20: OKC ZOO HOSTS PARENTS NIGHT OUT PROGRAM

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s education team is ready to give you a break and provide your kiddos with an engaging experience during our Parents Night Out program. Program activities include a Zoo-themed lesson, craft activity, pizza dinner, a nighttime tour on grounds and a movie. Program capacity is limited to 15 kids to ensure safe social distancing. Ages: 4-11 years old. Program starts at 6 p.m. with pick up as late as 10 p.m. Prices are $30/child, $25/additional child (members) and $40/child, $35/additional child (nonmembers). Enroll your kiddo(s) today at https://www.okczoo.org/overnight-programs.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7: OKC ZOO OFFERS FAMILY CAMP OUT PROGRAM

Camp under the stars with the Oklahoma City Zoo’s new family camp out program. Hosted by the Zoo’s education team, this family-friendly program invites participants to experience all things camping in the safe and unique setting of the Zoo. Campers will pitch their own tent on Zoo grounds, take an evening Zoo hike, snack on s’mores and enjoy animal themed stories. This program includes an animal presentation, a light breakfast plus, Zoo admission for the next day. Participants must provide their own tent and gear. Program is ideal for ages 4 and older. Children must have an adult enrolled with them. Cost is $40 per person. Program capacity is limited to ensure safe social distancing so register early at https://www.okczoo.org/overnight-programs.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11: VETERANS DAY, THE OKC ZOO IS OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14: OKC ADVENTURE DISTRICT HOSTS NEW COFFEE TALK SERIES WITH WARD 7 COUNCILWOMAN NIKKI NICE

The Oklahoma City Adventure District will host a Coffee Talk event with Ward 7 Oklahoma City Councilwoman, Nikki Nice, on Saturday, November 14. This is the first event of a quarterly “Coffee Talk” series in which the public is able to learn about developments in Oklahoma City’s Ward 7 and ask Councilwoman Nice questions about the community. This event is free to the public and will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. in the OKC Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center located at the east end of the Zoo’s parking lot. Seating is limited to 60 people to ensure social distancing within the auditorium. Masks are required to be worn inside this facility. Coffee, water and other refreshments will be provided!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21: RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

The Oklahoma City Zoo and the American Red Cross are coming together for Oklahomans, hosting a community blood drive on Saturday, November 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Zoo’s education center located at the east end of the parking lot. Donors receive two vouchers good for admission to the OKC Zoo. Each voucher is good for one free admission ticket (adult, child or senior) to the Zoo. Participation is free and appointments are not required. To learn more about donating blood and the requirements to give, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25: OKC ZOO’S SCHOOL’S OUT DAY CAMPS

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s School’s Out Day Camps offer a unique educational experience for your young students during school breaks and holidays. These daily themed camps include educational activities, in-park exploration, up-close animal ambassador visits and more. November camp dates and themes are:

• Monday, November 23: Large and in Charge – With few natural predators and little competition for food…not much can stop a big animal! Whether it’s an enormous elephant or a weighty whale, it pays to be the largest animal in your habitat.
• Tuesday, November 24: Happy Mediums – Some animals are happy to be right in the middle…of size that is! Learn about how being a medium-sized animal means you depend on your pals for survival.
• Wednesday, November 25: Tiny Lives – Whether it’s a microscopic water bear or a pygmy owl, being small has its advantages. Take a look at these tiny creatures up-close and see how they make a BIG impact on our natural world.

School’s Out Day Camps are available for children ages 4 to 11. The cost is $45 per camper (members) and $50 per camper (nonmembers) per day. Camps run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with after-care provided from 4:30-5:30 p.m. for $10/day. at the OKC Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center. Campers must bring their lunch and snacks. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, visit okczoo.org/schools-out or call (405) 425-0218.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26: THANKSGIVING DAY, THE OKC ZOO IS CLOSED.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27:  OKC ZOO’S HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP DEBUTS AT PENN SQUARE MALL

Gifts gone wild! This holiday season, the Oklahoma City Zoo has great gift ideas for all on your list with its new Pop-Up Shop at Penn Square Mall. From Friday, November 27 through Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, shoppers can purchase Zoo memberships and exclusive items including premium Visit the Zoo gift boxes and this season’s must have stocking stuffer, OKC ZOO POO at the Zoo’s Pop-Up Shop! Located in the mall’s center court by Santa, the Zoo’s Pop-Up Shop will be open during regular mall hours. To learn more, call (405) 425-0262 or visit okczoo.org.

ONGOING: ART GONE WILD, ART MADE BY THE OKC ZOO’S ANIMALS FOR ANIMALS

Art Gone Wild, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s collection of original animal paintings, continues to amaze wildlife lovers near and far with our animals’ artistic talents. Members of the Zoo’s animal family including elephants, giraffe, goats, various reptiles, sea lions and more have created an array of paintings all on display and available for purchase in the Zoo’s Guest Services office. With the help of their caretakers, each animal uses its own technique to express their creative side onto the canvas. Art Gone Wild is part of the Zoo’s enrichment program and the paints are safe for the animals to use as they are non-toxic and washable. Prices for these wild works of art range from $35 to $300, depending on size. These one-of-a-kind creations also make exciting gifts for everyone on your holiday list so shop now! All net proceeds benefit one of the Zoo’s conservation initiatives. Art Gone Wild paintings are on display in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the Entry Plaza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Masks are required for all guests 11 and older upon entry into Guest Services. To learn more, call (405) 425-0262. 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S STATEWIDE LIBRARY PROGRAM, READ FOR ADVENTURE, BRINGS OKLAHOMANS TOGETHER THROUGH READING, FREE ZOO TICKETS

Read for Adventure, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s statewide library program, brings Oklahoma families together through reading and family fun. Sponsored by OG&E, this year’s program features a new, original children’s book, Juniper’s Butterfly Garden, inspires kids to read with the story of a child’s journey as she learns about monarch butterflies. Monarchs migrate annually through Oklahoma on their journey from central Mexico to southern Canada and both the OKC Zoo and OG&E are committed to conserving vital habitats that benefit all pollinators. The Read for Adventure program is aimed at promoting literacy statewide and invites library card holders to check out Juniper’s Butterfly Garden, from any participating public and tribal library location within the state, to receive a voucher redeemable for FREE general admission to the OKC Zoo for up to four people (child, adult or senior). Vouchers are redeemable through June 30, 2021. For a list of participating libraries, visit www.okczoo.org/readforadventure.

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S WILD ENCOUNTERS

Grizzly bears, bison, Galapagos tortoises, rhinos, sea lions and elephants – oh my! The Oklahoma City Zoo provides you with an exclusive peek at what happens behind the Zoo scene with Wild Encounters! Wild Encounters are unique experiences that let you see some of your favorite Zoo animals in up-close ways like never before. Connect with our expert caretakers and learn about the animals they care for each and every day and the Zoo’s efforts to conserve their wild counterparts. Wild Encounters are available daily and each experience comes with a souvenir lanyard. These unique experiences are also a great gift idea for the holidays! There is a maximum of ten people per encounter and participants must wear masks. Prices range from $40–$50 per person depending on the encounter. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff. ZOOfriends’ members receive discount per encounter. For additional information about Wild Encounters or to make a reservation, contact Guest Services at (405) 425-0262.

ONGOING: OKC ZOO KEYS CONNECT GUESTS TO THEIR FAVORITE ANIMALS, FUN FACTS

Sponsored by Oklahoma’s Own News9, Oklahoma City Zoo Keys connect guests to their favorite animals through fun and interesting facts. A popular Zoo activity that began in the 1960s, OKC Zoo Keys are back for new generations to experience. Guests of all ages can unlock recorded messages from more than 20 displays throughout the Zoo. Each display shares information about the Zoo’s signature species and conservation efforts voiced by some of News9’s well-known anchors and meteorologists. Collect all five key options available in various colors! Cost is $4 per key. Zoo Keys are available for purchase daily at the Guest Services office, stroller window (Entry Plaza) and Explorikeet habitat in the Children’s Zoo.

ONGOING: OKC ZOO POO AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

The Oklahoma City Zoo has a never-ending supply of its premium compost, OKC ZOO POO, ready for you to buy! Sourced from organic plant material and members of the Zoo’s animal family including the Asian elephants, Indian rhinos, giraffe and various hoofstock, OKC ZOO POO is pure brown gold! Stop in the Zoo’s Guest Services office, located in the Entry Plaza, to purchase OKC ZOO POO today. A small bag is $3.99 and a large bag with a reusable tote bag and a packet of pollinator seeds is $14.99. To learn more, call (405) 425-0262 or visit okczoo.org.

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S CONSERVATION WRISTBANDS

Show your love and support for the OKC Zoo with our one-of-a-kind conservation wristbands. These wild wristbands are available to purchase at the OKC Zoo’s stroller window in the Entry Plaza for $2 each, with all proceeds benefitting the Zoo’s conservation programs both locally and globally. From butterfly to bison and giraffe to gorilla, there are 10 different animal designs available. 

The Oklahoma City Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Advance tickets are required for all guests and ZOOfriends members and can be purchased at www.okczoo.org/tickets.  Zoo tickets are limited each day to maintain social distancing among guests.

Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Stay up-to-date with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by visiting Our Stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming a member. Memberships can be purchased at ZOOfriends.org or any place admission is sold in the Zoo’s Entry Plaza during regular business hours. To learn more about this event and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.